For the 20th anniversary of the events of 9-11, Tennessee American Water’s Phillip D. Glass is wearing a “Never Forget” shirt with the image of the Twin Towers.
:In recognition of first responders who were on the site in response to the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers and those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, when the Towers fell, Tennessee American Water is reminding our community to always remember and take time to reflect. The anniversary is also a reminder of importance of protecting our infrastructure, particularly our essential water systems and the actions taken over 20 years to protect our community," officials said.
“Most Americans, who recall the events of 9-11, were stunned as we watched what was happening and the 2,977 souls lost on that day,” said Grant Evitts, president of Tennessee American Water.
“At American Water and our subsidiary companies across the nation, we knew that maintaining the safety of our water systems and our drinking water was critical and we mobilized resources to strengthen safety and security.”
Officials said, "Phillip D. Glass, the metal replica of a Tennessee American Water employee who sits atop an Amnicola Highway water tank, expresses our company’s commitment to 'never forget' those who protect our community and our nation in times of need.
"Since the events of September 11, 2001, several actions have occurred to protect our water systems including the investment of over $22 billion in the regulated business of American Water over the next 10 years to replace aging infrastructure and improve resiliency.
"American Water recognizes how essential our water and wastewater services are and acknowledges the severity of increasing cyber threats. Our company has always endorsed a 'safety and security approach' to water and wastewater operations and this commitment extends to cyber threats. We have taken a number of steps to help maintain the security of our systems and work with local, state, and federal government and agencies to prepare for cyber threats.
"Tennessee American Water strives to provide customers safe and reliable drinking water at affordable rates. We continue to invest in our infrastructure and resiliency to address and keep pace with demand, technology advancements and climate variability to achieve this goal."